Method of making attached fin type tubes



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United States Patent O 3,148,441 mmol) or MAKING ATTACHED FIN TYPE TUBES Otto R. Schuler, Detroit, Mich., assigner to Calumet & Hacia, Inc., Allen Park, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Sept. 14, 1959, Ser. N 839,770 16 Claims. (Cl. 29-157.3)

The present invention relates to improvements in attached fm type tubes, for heat exchange `and related uses, and to Van improved method and apparatus for making the same. This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Serial No. 734,573, tiled May l2, 1958 (now abandoned).

The above entitled application covers an improvement in the art of attached lin tubes over previously followed methods of producing the tubing, usually involving the rolling of the exterior surface of a preformed tube, either annularly, helically or linearly to indent therein a iinreceiving groove or grooves whose depth in the tube material represents a substantial portion of the wall thickness of the tube.

With the grooving thus indented deeply therein it follows that the strength of the -tube after the iinning is applied to and clinched in the groove or grooves, as determined by the thinnest wall cross section, is represented only by the radial depth of tube material between its greatest internal periphery and the bottom or root of the grooving. The remainder of the metal of the tube, located radially outwardly of the groove root, is in effect excessive, and and superuous in so far as increasing the tensional strength of the tube is concerned.

Furthermore, bending of a finned tube as produced by the known procedure is not practical without the probability of spreading somewhat the iin grooves of the tube at its outer bent arc, thus looseninU the hns inasmuch as the lighter wall thickness at and beneath the bottom of the grooves will bend iirst. These considerations apply to some extent even if the iin is held in the groove by means supplementing the clinching action, as by fusion or the like.

It is therefore -a general object of the present invention, in common with what is disclosed in the copending application identified above, to provide an improved attached iin tube, and an improved method of producing the same, wherein the foregoing drawbacks are avoided. This is accomplished in an operation in which the periphery of a preformed tube is rolled helically only suciently to upset and form on its exterior surface pairs ofV fin gripping ribs projecting radially therefrom in a substantial degree. These ribs are in pairs in closely spaced relation to one another to provide a narrow helical groove therebetween in which a thin strip of metal fin material can be inserted and secured tightly, by further rolling and pressing of the ribs against the sides of the strip at the base or inner peripheral edge thereof.

There thus results an attached iin type tubing in which the fin does not extend significantly -into the actual radial body thickness of the tube wall, i.e., in which by far the major portion, if not all, of the iin receiving and gripping groove is located radially beyond the remainder of the rolled periphery of the tube; and in which metal corresponding to that which is usually excess in conventionally produced similar tubing is employed 100% in the contour of the projecting iin-receiving ribs and grooves.

As illustrated and described in my copending application, the method was one in which ribs, grooves and the spaces separating successive sets of ribs are simultaneously formed at mass production lspeed by combining sets of rib and groove forming rolling discs. However, this feaice ture of simultaneous groove and rib formation is not an essential in the present improvement, which by preference contemplates the use of a pre-grooved tube.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the greater degree of difficulty of attaching to a hel-ically grooved tube a so-called high fin strip (i.e., high ratio of outside diameter of tin strip to root diameter of tube groove, or inside iin diameter), than of attaching a low fin strip in which the corresponding ratio is substantially smaller. There is, of course, also greater diiculty in applying a liu, high or low, to a groove between ribs which are of relatively great radial depth, than between shallower ribs. The present invention primarily relates to an improved attached iinned tube, and method of producing the same in which the iin strip is of relatively greater radial width or height, and in particular when such a strip is applied to grooves between high ribs, so that it is seen that the invention overcomes two prime factors of diiculty to be expected in an operation of the sort in question.

While a relatively low radius iin can be wrapped around a tube directly from a straight strip in a continuous operation, possibly resorting to a corrugation of the base of the n, high ns are usually preformed in coil outline to certain inside diameters and shapes at their base; and in accordance with the present invention the iin strip material is also pre-shaped in coil form before attachment to the tube. However, as indicated above, the use of the aforementioned high type ribs on the tube has presented certain problems.

If the inside diameter of the pre-coiled lin is of Vthe same or only slightly larger diameter than the root diameter of the tube groove, there .is no practical way of insertingl the fins between the ribs of the tube. If the inside diameter of the pre-coiled fins is left large enough, so that the fins can be slid axially over the outer edge of the tube ribs, an additional radial reduction becomes necessary to bring the base of the ns down to the root of the groove between the high ribs, either before or during the attaching operation. Extremely heavy reducing force must be employed for this.

While, in accordance with my above entitled copending application, the fins may be preformed directly on the same machine carrying the attaching tools, in advance of the latter, this is most practical when the ns are attached to a plain or relatively shallow-grooved tube, because there is no particular factor involved as to the requisite strength of the fin forming tools. The fins can be formed to almost the correct inside diameter and then moved, upon relative axial movement of the fin coil and tube, to the iin spacing and attaching tools, With relatively little force required for the attachment. The fins, in the alternative, can also be spaced and the tube then be expand'ed to force it tightly against the iin base. However, these expedients are not practical when a high n is attached to a grooved tube bearing high iin-receiving and securing ribs.

Experience has shown that a tremendous rolling pressure must be applied to the fins especially when fabricated of hard metals or some alloys, simply to reduce the inside fin diameter down to the root of the tube. Very strong rolling tools are required and, since the spacing of the fins is predetermined by the spacing of the ribs on the tube, the reducing tool, at least on the outgoing axial side of the fin, may be made only as thick (hence as strong) as is allowed by the space between two adjacent fins, i.e., of the order of about .090 for a tube having 9 ns per inch. A tool of such thickness would readily break or bend, if its use were attempted in a high lin deep groove operation.

Therefore, it is a basic object of the present invention to provide a method of producing attached iin tubing in which, in an operation preceding the iin applying phase, relatively wide and thin fm strip is coiled to an inside diameter which may be slightly smaller than the root diameter of an external groove in a tube to which the fin is to be applied. The inside lin diameter may vary to some extent to permit any desired or special cross sectional shape pre-rolled at the base of the iin strip; and, likewise, the fins may be smooth over a full radial width, or may be specially rolled in this regard.

In further accordance with the invention, such preformed iin coil is then corrugated along its outer peripher, as by resort to a special corrugating machine hereinafter described, or, in the alternative, by manual corrugating tools.y As a result of the external side corrugation of the iin, the inside diameter of the fin is increased, and, in fact, the whole fin will be enlarged in diameter, but without losing its other original properties as to shape. It is the purpose of the corrugating step to increase the internal n diameter enough to enable the coil to externally clear the high tube ribs; and the shape and axial depth of the corrugations will be determined by the final desired shape of the finished n on the tube, as well as by the desired radial clearance for sliding the ns over the ribbed tube.

In accordance with another object of the invention, a method and apparatus are provided in which the sliding of the n material over the tube ribs is assisted by the use of an axial sleeve coaxially surrounding the tube outwardly of its rib radius, to the end of preventing possible tangling or fouling of the loose iin coils with the tube ribs during the lin guide-in and attaching operation. The guide sleeve in question is preferably rotated coordinately with the tube in order to relieve the attaching tools from the work of advancing the 1in material during the attaching operation.

In still further accordance with the basic objective, provision is made to smooth out the outer peripheral corrugations preformed in the iin, during the guiding in and application of the fin material to the tube groove. This reduces the inside diameter of the fins to a diameter corresponding to the groove root, prior to attachment between the two ribs. Only a fraction of the power is needed to thus bring this iin diameter to groove root diameter, as compared with methods involving the radially inward rolling of the n between the ribs. In this connection, it may be found advisable to anneal corrugated iins which are made of the harder metals, especially when the ns are to be narrowly spaced, in order to avoid damage to iin attaching tools as they roll the ribs against the iin base.

It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for performing the same in which a fixed plate unit is employed as part of the equipment for guiding in and smoothing the iin. One plate of this unit is on the incoming or rearward axial side of the iin material and, because of available space in this zone, may be of heavy and strong construction, with a suitable contour for smoothing out the outer fin corrugations incorporated in this plate. The other plate of the unit, on the forward or outgoing axial side of the iin material, coacts with the first plate, and is necessarily limited in thickness as determined by the space between successive iin coils into which it extends.

. In anV alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates the use, in substitution for the heavier fixed guide and preliminary smoothing plate, on the incoming side of the lin material, a small diameter tapered roller, which may be driven at a desired speed or simply turn as an idler.

Further in accordance with the invention, it is an object to provide apparatus incorporating guide and corrugation smoothing provisions, as described above, in combination with one or more coaxial guide and smoothing discs on one of three arbors spaced equally about the axis of the tube. These act in conjunction with a further disc or discs on the three arbors rolling in certain of tube grooves and operating to deform and force the material of the ribs into tight gripping engagement with the base of the ns. The initial guide and smoothing discs progressively further iron out the outer peripheral corrugations of the iin stock, as commenced by the guide and smoothing means described, as well as tending to force the iin material radially onto the root of the tube groove.

Another object of the invention is to provide an irnproved attached n tube, and method and apparatus for forming the latter, in which iin material of various cross sections may be employed, as dictated by the requirements of the particular job, and may be variably clinched at the iin base. p

Still another general object of the invention is to provide a method of producing an improved nned tube, in which the periphery of a preformed tube is rolled helically only suiciently to upset and form on its exterior surface pairs of iin gripping ribs projecting radially therefrom in a substantial degree. These ribs are in closely spaced relation to one another to provide a narrow groove therebetween in which a thin metal strip of fin material can be inserted and secured tightly, by further rolling and pressing of the ribs against the sides of the strip at the base or inner peripheral edge thereof.

A further object along this line is to provide a multiple iinning method of rolling ribs and grooves as described, in which ribs, grooves and the space separating successive sets of ribs are simultaneously formed at mass production speed by combining sets of rib and groove forming rolling discs. This multiple inning procedure enables the spacing of the mounted ns from one another to be varied as desired.

Yet another object is to provide a production method as described, in which rolling discs which secure the n between the ribs previously formed in the stated manner are of special design, causing the iin strip to be tightly and positively interlocked with the lin ribs in one way or another, in accordance with the several adaptations herein shown, so that it will never come loose under the most severe operating conditions.

Another object is to provide a multiple disc ribbing and nning method of this sort, in which the discs operating on the tube to form the iin-receiving ribs may be of optional axial thickness, enabling the space between successive pairs of iin ribs to be Varied. Thus, a disc which forms the lin groove between two projecting ribs is usually considerably thinner than those on either side thereof which roll the tube material between two succeeding pairs of iin ribs, the thickness of the last named discs being in turn chosen to provide the desired lin spacing.

Yet another object is to provide such a multiple rib and lin rolling procedure which not only enables the spacing between successive pairs of ribs to be varied, but also permits the effective diameter of the tube at the root of the n groove, the strength and height of the iin securing ribs, and the manner of rolling the latter to secure the strip to be controlled by an appropriate selection of rib rolling and n securing discs.

The foregoing as well as other objects will become more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are fragmentary views in axial section and of a schematic nature, illustrating advantages of the improvement in accordance with my copendng application identified above;

FIG. 3 is a view vertically sectioned along line 3 3 of FIG. 4, of a suitable apparatus for guiding pre-coiled and pre-corrugated fin strip material into position between pre-formed ribs of a tube, while smoothing the corrugations of the fm material, for forcing the iin material snugly into the groove between ribs and for attaching the ribs to the tin base;

FIG. 4 is a View in section along broken line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 5A are, respectively, fragmentary views in end elevation and axial cross section through tin strip material as pre-coiled to a predetermined internal diameter;

FIGS. 6 and 6A are, respectively, corresponding views in end elevation and axial section through the coiled strip material as pre-corrugated along the external side surfaces of its coil convolution by mechanism also contemplated by the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in vertical section similar to FIG. 3, showing only the initial xed fin guide and smoothing provisions of the invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are, respectively, views in section along lines 7A--7A, '7B-7B and 7C--7C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7D is a view in side elevation of the iixed tin guide structure at the point of entrance of 'the corrugated iin material thereinto;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in enlarged scale and in section on an axially extending radial plane through one type of grooved and ribbed tube and 1in material being applied and secured thereto in accordance with the method of the invention, also showing the character of the am'al lin guide sleeve of the apparatus and successive iin guiding, smoothing and attaching discs on one of three arbors depicted in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are similar fragmentary views, all in an axially and radially extending plane similar to FIG. 8, showing further typical arrangements of sets of iin guiding, smoothing and attaching discs contemplated by the invention, in their respective relationships to the grooved and ribbed tube and the fin guide sleeve of the equipment;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of a modified iin guide arrangement, in which a tapered roller of small diameter is used in substitution for the thicker of two xed n guide and smoothing plates employed in the preceding form;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view in section axially of the tapered roller of FIG. 12, i.e., along line 13-13 of that iigure;

FIG. 14 is a further fragmentary and schematic view of another modilied embodiment, in which an elongated 1in guide and smoothing roller or stem is employed, having bearing means on opposite sides of its zone of guiding and smoothing engagement with the iin;

FIG. 15 is a plan view, partially in axial section, of a proposed apparatus or fixture for temporarily corrugating the coil iin material along the sides of its external periphery, prior to application of the lin to the tube by structure such as is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 through 7D and 8 through 14;

FIG. 15A is a fragmentary elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B and 16C are fragmentary views in radial cross section through ns presenting various types of special base conformation, such as may be adopted as dictated by the requirements or desired characteristics of the tube;

FIG. 17 is a View in radial section through a iin strip as specially conformed at its ends for another possible type of iin interlock, tin material of this cross section being adapted to be cut in half to provide two like tins;

FIG. 17A is a view in similar section showing the strip material of FIG. 17 as halved and further rolled to alter its cross sectional contour; and

FIG. 18 is a view in section similar to FIG. 17, showing yet another possible iin contour.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are fragmentary views in axial section and somewhat enlarged scale illustrating the production of tubing of optional fin spacing by the multiple ribbing and tinning method of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary view in further enlarged scale and in axial section showing the interlocked clinching of iin material to the. iin ribs by the use of special rolling discs;

FIG. 22 is a View similar to FIG. 2l illustrating further and alternative embodiments for rolling and clinching the ns, this view also showing various types of iin base formation to enhance the interlock between n and grooved ribs.

Prior to describing procedural and structural features of the present invention, note should be taken that, as illustrated and described in my identilied copending application, presently employed iin attaching procedures involve the use of a tube externally pre-formed by an indenting or embossing type rolling operation to provide annular or helical n-receiving groove formations which extend a substantial radial depth into the tube from its outer circumference. Fin material, either in the form of individual discs or (as herein shown) in the form of continuous helically wound metal strip stock, is assembled to these grooves and clinched therein by a further rolling operation in which a very slight amount of protuberant material of the tube is forced radially and axially i11- wardly against the base of the fin.

On the assumption that the determiningV factor of the strength of the tube is its thinnest wall section, this wall section is in effect represented by a radial portion of the tube wall thickness from the bottom or root of its external groove to the largest inside diameter of the tube. Thus, the thickness of metal between the bottom of the groove and the external surface of the tube is actually excess and superfluous, in that it does not materially increase the strength of the tube but is dormant and, furthermore, prevents successful bending of the tube as a practical matter, since the lighter Wall thickness at the bottom of the grooves will bend most readily, with the result that the grip on the fins will be loosened.

By contrast, and as shown in FIG. 1, which quite schematically shows an attached fin type tube of the invention and certain steps in its formation, the improved method takes full advantage of this otherwise excess material, of radial thickness C of a pre-rolled tube 10, by using it in the formation of ribs 12 extending radially substantially outwardly of the surface of the tube 10. The major portion of the depth of the fin grooves between such ribs lies outwardly of the outer tube periphery; and there is little or no recessing of the tube inwardly of the roots of the tube spaces 26 which separate successive rib pairs 12. This is also done with a minimum reduction of the thickness of tube 1) from its original wall thickness A to its final and effective wall thickness B.

Higher ribs 12 are produced, giving a much better bond between the same and the helical iin strip 28 for the same initial tube thickness Af In the alternative, a somewhat lower rib may be formed with the root of the pre-rolled groove even lying slightly within the spacer surface 26 in the radial sense, if desired; but still a much heavier iinal and effective wall thickness B is produced, again starting with the same tube thickness A. If the body of the tube is grooved at all the extent of the indentation may be much less than in previous attached iin products. Indeed, the method allows a control of the wall dimension such that it can even be made thinner between the iins than radially underneath the applied iin.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate variation, in which, for irnproved adaptability for bending or other purposes, the inside of the tube 10 may be formed with relatively deep corrugations 30. Such a tube can be manufacturedy with a uniform wall thickness or with a. controllable variation in wall thickness, enabling the metal to be putin the places where it is most needed.

My copending application identified above, to which reference may be had, discloses methods of rolling the tube It) to form thereon rib and groove formations of the above type. These considerations constitute no part of the present invention, whose primary point in common with said application lies in the provision of a tube which is not deeply indented as to the body mass of the tube.

VReference should now be had to FIGS. '5, 5A, 6V and 6A of the drawings, as disclosing the method by which .the n strip stock employed for hns, corresponding in function to those designated 28 in FIGS. 1 and 2, is initially pre-treated in accordance with the invention. As typicallyrproduced in a at and thin length 32, the fin material is shaped into a continuous outline of helical coil convolution 33 which may at its inner periphery .be slightly smaller than the external root diameter of a tube groove, although as indicated above this inside diameter may vary in the event of a special shape at the base of the fin, or special attaching requirements. The n cpnvolutions 33 are usually smooth across their entire radial width, unless it is desired that they be specially formed in cross section as will appear.

These preformed n convolutions are then corrugated on their opposite sides and radially inwardly from the outer periphery thereof, as by the use of equipment such ,as is illustrated in FIGS. and 16 or by equivalent hand equipment. The resulting corrugated coil product is shown in FIGS.' 6 and 6A, the corrugations in question being designated 34. As the result of the corrugating operation the entire coil, including its inner diameter, is enlarged in the diametral sense, but without loss of any other characteristics of the coil material, such as any desired special cross sectional outline. If it is desired that, in the ultimate attached n product, the helical n retain a corrugated outline about its periphery, the initial corrugations 34 of the convolution 33 will be made more deep than otherwise, then smoothed or ironed out later to the desired final depth as by modifying accordingly the smoothing plates and discs of the apparatus (to be described).

YAs appears from the above,'it has been found that the inside diameter of the preformed iin material 33 does not have to be held to extremely close tolerance, and shallow ripples may also be present on the inner periphery which will absorb the variation in tolerances. However, the maximum inner diameter of the preformed iin coil convolution, prior to corrugating should still be somewhat smaller than the root diameter of the tube groove so as to insure a tight t and seat of the iin material on the root.

Now referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7-7D, inclusive, as schematically shown in those figures the equipment employed in performing the method of the invention essentially comprises a set of three parallel shafts or arbors 35, 36 and 37 uniformly distributed in 120 spacing about a parallel fixed center mandrel 38, about which a tube 39 is continuously advanced in the axial direction, in an entirely conventional manner. As indicated above, the tube 39 has been preliminarily rolled to produce the helical ribs 40 on either side of grooves 41, into certain of which the n strip material 33 is to be guided. FIG. 8 shows the ribs and their spacing from one another in the axial direction to be uniform; whereas FIGS. 9, 10 and 1l more typically show the rolling of the tube to be carried out in such manner as to provide fin receiving grooves which are of considerably less axial width than the spaces between successive pairs of ribs which define such grooves. In this respect FIGS. 9, l0 and 11 show the actual invention in approximate accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, described above. However, FIG. 8 is drawn in larger scale to represent an illustrative arrangement in conformity with what is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Each of the arbors 35, 36, 37 has xedly mounted thereon an axial set or series of discs for n guiding, smoothing and/or attaching, the'sets on the arbors 35, 36, 37 being, for convenience, generally designated 43, 44 and 45, respectively. Suitable fastening nuts 46 applied on the arbor ends hold the discs fixedly on the respective arbors, and the character of the discs of the several sets of ,discs is hereinafter touched on in connection with FIGS. 8 through 1l. It may be noted here that, in addition to attaching discs similar to those of arbors 36 and 37, the arbor 35 carries one or more guiding and smoothing discs.

`In order to enable the corrugated and coiled fnmaterial to be fed onto the tube 39, the equipment of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes an elongated tubular fin guiding member or sleeve 48 extending axially of tube 39 and through which the tube is fed axially, suitable provision being made to rotate the tube 39. Its presence positively supports and prevents the snagging or tangling of the coiled n material 33 with the grooves of the tube, as the fin materialv is fed into the tube grooves in the progressive advance of the tube, under control by the corrugation smoothing and fin guiding provisions of the invention. As to these provisions, reference should now be had to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, considered in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4 and 8.

The smoothing and guiding provisions in question include a pair of relatively thick and thin, fixed fin guiding and smoothing plates, respectively designated 50 and 51. These plates are appropriately bolted or otherwise secured to a rigidly mounted suspending bracket 52 to one side of the mandrel 38 and fin guide sleeve 4S. Plate 50 may be as thick as necessary in the axial direction, since it is located on the incoming axial side of the iin to the coil in which space is available to accommodate the thickness. On the other hand, since plate 51 must be no thicker thanris allowed by the available space between successive n convolutions, it is further reduced in thickness in an arcuate zone facing the tube axis, as by milling or otherwise cutting away the recess 53 on the axially forward side of the plate.

Both of the plates 50, 51 are formed on their edge facing the axis of tube 39 to provide arcuate seats 54, 55, respectively, which are concentric with the tube axis and of sufficient radius of curvature to outwardly clear the radial ribs 40 of the tube, as the latter travels axially past the plates.

FIGS. 7, 7B and 7C show the use of bolts or studs 57 for the purpose of aixing the plates 50, 51 to the xed bracket 52, the bolts or studs 57 extending through both plates for this purpose.

As shown in FIG. 7D and sectional views 7A, 7B and 7C, while the thinner plate V51 is symmetric in formation in reference to a horizontal center line, the thicker plate 5) is formed, on its axially forward surface adjacent the plate 51 to provide an entrance throat 58 of relatively wide and taperedV outline which merges into an arcuate and narrow, flat-sided recess 59 about the inner arc of plate 50. It is into the throat 58 that the corrugated outer zone 34 of the fin material is introduced, with a resulting progressive smoothing or flattening of the corrugations of the strip in recess 59 as it is guided by plates 50, 51 into the tube grooves 41 between ribs 40. Thus preliminary treatment of the strip stock, coupled with further smoothing actionby the respective disc sets 43, has the effect of reducing and returning the lower diameter of the iin convolution to the approximate diameter of the root of a tube groove 41, into which the iin is nally urged and secured by the disc sets 43, 44, 45,

As indicated above and shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, there are two discs 61 and 62 of the set 43 which are secured on the arbor 35 in an axial spacing from one another approximating or only slightly greater than the axial thickness of the iin 33. The discs 61, 62 are primarily guiding and smoothing discs, each having a continuous annular center rim or bead 63 following in the space between two ribs 40 which are subsequently to be deformed in opposite axial directions to grip the ybase of the iin 33. In some instances only one such `guiding and smoothing discs may be sufficient. As indicated in FIG. 8, the disc 62 may be provided on its forward annular edge with a formation 64 for the purpose of deforming the rib and clinching it to the fin 33.

The other two discs of the set43 on the arbor 35 are iin deforming and attaching discs, being respectively designated 66 and 67. They have annular outer beads 68 which follow in the space between successive pairs of tube ribs 40, and the sectional contour of the discs 66, 67 on opposite sides of the respective annular beads 68 is such as to cause the ribs of the respective pairs to be deformed inwardly into clinching and securing engagement with the base of the iin 33.

The disc sets 43, 44, 45 are rotated in the direction indicated by arrows in FIG. 3; and the respective sets 44 and 45 on arbors 36, 37 may each be simply comprised of a pair of attaching and securing discs, designated 7@ and 71 in FIG. 4. Their form and function are the same as the respective discs 66, 67 on arbor 35, i.e., of causing clinching engagement of the ribs 4i? with the iin base, but without suihcient restriction to the normal movement of the fin to cause the latter to buckle or tear. This is a matter which may call for special design of the discs for any given job, controlled in part by the extent that the flattened tin material has already been restricted in inner diameter by the preceding action of the discs 61, 62.

In causing the ribs 49 to be deformed and tightly clinched against the fins, a slight elongation of the tube may result, as under the action of the disc sets 44, 45 on arbors 36, 37, respectively. Should this elongation in certain spacings of the iin coils 33 be suiiicient to prevent evenly spaced discs from correctly tracking into grooves of a tube, it can be corrected by making the discs thicker or wider pitch to compensate for the elongation. The variation in pitch between discs is not great enough to affect the iixed pitch angle setting of the arbors, since few discs are used on each arbor. Moreover, larger sizes of discs have a degree of compensating flexibility.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show arrangements in which the grooves between successive ribs 4t? by which the iin is clinched are, as before, designated 41, While grooves or spaces between successive pairs of such iin gripping ribs are specially designated 41. The arrangements of FIGS. 9, l and 11 are generally similar to one another, varying in reference to cross sectional disc contours. These figures illustrate the progressive action of the discs in guiding and smoothing the iin convolutions, and in clinching the iin base between ribs 4t). Specifically, the discs are designed for attachment of steel lin coils of inch radial height, 61/.1 ns per inch, to a steel tube having a 1 inch diameter at the root of 1in groove 41, the ribs 40 being .G45 inch in height. These arrangements afford goed results and may be regarded as typical examples.

In the apparatus embodiment of the invention described above, preliminary guiding and smoothing of the iin convolution 33 is accomplished through the agency of fixed plates G and 51. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment, in which a rotary guide and smoothing member is substituted for the thicker guide plate 50. This member is in the form of a tapered roller or axially extending stem 74 of small diameter extending at an angle into the space which is, in the other form, occupied by the thicker fixed plate 50. The nose of the tapered roller is located in a position to just clear the ribs of tube 39,

The roller 74 rotates along the incoming side of the iin convolution 33, smoothing its corrugations in conjunction with the thinner plate 51. As shown in FIG. 13, the shaft 75 of the roller is mounted by a ball bearing 76 in a suitable iixed housing 77, with a seal 7S in engagement with the stem to preclude the entry of foreign matter. Tapered roller 74 may function as an idler, or may be rotated at a relatively fast speed by suitable means (not shown).

As also indicated in FIG. 13, it may be desirable to back up the roller 74 and thus maintain the desired rolling pressure on the iin corrugations, as by means of a suitable xedly journaled backing or bearing roller 79 shown in dotted line in FIG. 13. It may also be desired to relieve the tapered roller 74 circumferentially, as by an annular undercut Si) on the roller behind its inner tapered rolling tip, as also indicated in dotted line in FIG.

1Q 13; and if the backing roller 79 is employed it will roll along the surface of such undercut.

FIG. 14 discloses a further arrangement in which a guiding and smoothing roller performing the function of tapered roller 74 is elongated in character, as the elongated stem 32 mounted by bearings (not shown) for rotation in longitudinally fixed and aligned housings S3, S4 at opposite sides of the iin smoothing area. A tapered portion S5 is provided on the smoothing roller at the rolling zone.

FIGS. l5 and 15A. illustrate a suitable device or fixture, generally designated S7, for the initial formation on the coil fin strip stock 33 of fthe external corrugations 34 by which the internal diameter of the coil `is increased sufriciently to enable its advance along the guide sleeve 48.

The coiled fin material 33 is shown in light line in FIG. 15 and in heavier line in FIG. 15A. It is corrugated along its outer peripheral sides by coacting corrugating tools in the form of tapered toothed, gear-like elements 88, S9, which may be formed by bringing or otherwise shaping standard gears `to the tapered outline of FIGS. 15 and 15A. The teeth 9@ of these tools, as suitably driven in a way to be described, follow one another in indenting engagement with the `material of the n coil to produce the outer side corrugations 34 shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A of the drawings.

The coil stock is guided over sleeve extensions 92, 93 at either end thereof, which may be mounted for rotating movement, onto and oif of an elongated stationary rod 94. Rod 94 is medially formed at 95, 95 Ito provide mildly angled surfaces against which the noses of the tapered corrugating Itools SS, S9 may abut.

The tools 8S, 39 are fixed on divergent shafts 97, g8, respectively, which are suitably journaled in appropriate brackets 99, 160. These brackets are carried on relatively adjustable horizontal plates 99, 1Gb which may be moved as desired, then clamped in adjusted position, as by suitable bolts 1%1 engaging through elongated slo-ts 192 in plates 99', 104i yand taking into a ixed horizontal base 193. Adjustment may be had by manipulation of set screws 1M threaded in a cross block 195 fixed on base 193. Suitable `adjustable brackets 1% on the base 1133 support the fixed shaft 94, enabling a lateral adjustment of the latter for properly positioning it in relation to the corrugating tools 88, 89.

The drive of the shafts 97, 9S of the respective corrugating tools S8, 89 is through standard gears 107, 1418 in mesh at an angle determined by the setting of the respective shafts, one of these gears being driven in an appropriate fashion.

Mention has been made above of the fact that various cross sectional com'igurations of iin material may be employed in accordance with the invention; and FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B and 16C show illustrative types.

In accordance with FIG. 16, the fin material 33 may be u provided with an enlarged annular oifset at the base thereof which is of almost the same thickness as the Width of the groove 41 at the fin base.

In FIG. 16A ythe iin has a double offset of increased thickness, `i.e., at its extreme inner base and -in radially outwardly spaced rellation thereto, as at 111 and 112, for the purpose of interlocking the iins and ribs and holding the latter securely to the tins. This type is recommended for high temperature applications.

In accordance with FIG. 16B, the iin 33 is folded upon itself around its inner circumference, as at 113, and the corresponding tube rib 4t? is turned over toward the tin and into gripping and retaining engagement at 114 outwardly of the reversed iin portion 113.

FIG. 16C shows a further possible modification, in which the inner periphery of the iin 33 is corrugated or rippled at its base, as indicated by the numeral 115, so as to fill out the groove 41. Although empty spaces are left between such ripples, this type of iin contour affords a good connection.

It is further contemplated tha-t, in order to enhance the fin-tube connection the sides of the iin 33 may be knurled or otherwise roughened around its inner periphery.

FIG. 17 shows a still further possible iin con-tour, and a method of making the same. A preformed strip 117 of double width of the intended 1in is produced, the thickness thereof tapering outwardly to ythe center of the strip from both sides of the center. The outer extremities of the thus formed strip are formed in a semi-circular outline at 118, in contemplation of .the interlocking of the tube ribs with a thus contoured fin base. The double width strip is then severed and rolled to the tapering outline shown in FIG. 17A, its inner periphery at 119 being thinner than the remainder of the iin.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative iin form, which is capable of production in lthe manner of FIGS. 17 and 17A, in this case having its internal periphery vformed to provide divergent prongs 120 for locking engagement with the tube ribs.

It is seen from the above that the invention provides a novel attached iin type tube, and a method `and apparatus for producing the same inexpensively and expeditiously, without requiring the tremendous rolling pressure which would be otherwise necessary, especially in the case of fins and tubes of hard metals or some alloys, to reduce the n to fit a groove between high tube ribs. The initial corrugation of the iin sides around the periphery of the coil fin material increases the inner diameter to enable the material to be easily slid longitudinally in relation to the high-ribbing of the tube, and the guide sleeve 48 further facilitates this, preventing Iany Vpossibility of fouling or tangling of the fin material with the ribs of the tube.

Progressive guiding and smoothing of the corrugations of the iin coil convolutions are carried out by the xed plates 50, 51, or, in the alternative, by the plate 51 in association with a tapered roller; and the discs of the respective sets 43, 44 and 4S continue the guiding and smoothing action, as well as the linal slight reduction of n diameter and the pressing of the iin to the groove root, and the deformation of the ribs into iin gripping position.

My copending application referred to above related among other things to a method of rolling fin grooves and spacing recesses as illustrated in FIGS. 19 through 22 of the present application. As shown in FIG. 19, iins 121 applied to the tube body 122 are illustrated in the form of the thin annular discs, although it is to be understood that the helical type of the earlier gures may be substituted. In order to receive these fins the outer circumference of the tube body 122 is rolled annularly to provide pairs of radially projecting, closely spaced ribs 123 having a iin-receiving groove 124 of slight axial width therebetween. As depicted in FIG. 19, successive pairs of these ribs are relatively widely spaced, for a correspondingly wide axial spacing of successive fins 121; and this is accomplished by the use of a relatively thin groove rolling disc 126, with relatively thick rib rolling discs 127, 12S xedly mounted on either axial side thereof.

rIhus the peripheral rolling suurface of disc 122 forms the grooving 124 between a pair of the ribs 123 which have been rolled up on either side thereof by'adjacent peripheral surfaces 129 of the respective thicker discs or rollers 127, 128. The latter form the wider groove spaces 130 which separate successive pairs of parallel projecting grooves; and it is seen that by this preliminary rib forming roller procedure, the outer periphery and wall thickness of the tube body 122 are reduced but slightly from the original radial thickness dimension A. The

' effect of the rolling, solely for producing the radial projecting circumferential ribs 123 and not to materially indenttube body 122, is hereinafter explained further.

With the groove defining ribs 123 thus produced, the

Aiinning 121 is applied thereto in a manner to be described and the ribs are then rolled toward the sides of the n material 121 to clinch the latter iirmly. This rolling operation may be performed by special rolling discs, as

12 shown in FIGS. 2l and 22, also as will be further described.

FIG. 19 of the drawings shows the tube 122 rolled by a disc combination including lateral discs 127, 128 of substantial axial width, to space the successive groove defining ribs 123 substantially from one another in the axial sense. The view also shows the operations of forming the projecting grooved ribs and of clinching the ribs to the tins 121 following this; and the ribs as thus clinched are specially designated 123.

On the other hand, FIG. 20 shows a similar tube body 122 having the iins 121 more closely spaced to one auother in the axial sense, as by the use of a rib forming combination including lateral rolling discs 127', 128' of lesser axial width than those shown in FIG. 19. Thus as intersected by any given plane, axial or radial, successive pairs of the rib formations 123 may be more or less widely spaced from one another, in relation to the spacing of their component rib formation, by a proper selection of the grooving disc 126 and the respective ribbing discs 127, 128 or 127', 123'.

It is evident from the above that the described multiple ribbing and inning procedure for forming projecting ribs on the periphery of the tube to receive tins of the at annular or helical type enables the simultaneous formation of at least one pair of grooved iin ribs 123 and the wider groove 131i spacing it from a succeeding pair at every relative rotation of the tube 122 and discs 126, 127, 12S.

This multiple fin ribbing method controls the spaces between the ribs and the tins 121 gripped thereby, the root or minimum effective diameter of the two and the strength and height of the ribs which subsequently grip the base of the iin.

In the case of the production of a helically iinned tube, the pitch angle setting for the rolling machine will include the axial thickness of the grooving disc 126 and one rib rolling disc 127 or 128, whether the latter is relatively thick or relatively thin, as in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively, this pitch being designated P.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate alternative procedure for rolling the iin ribs 123 to their iinal gripping contour in which they are specially designated 123. Thus in FIG. 2l there are two axially abutting rolling discs 132, 133 mounted on a common axis, with a rib clearance space 134 between their abutting center areas and their outer peripheries. An inner, annular rib-engaging and deforming surface 135 is provided on the disc 132 which is of such angularity as to cause the rib 123 rolled by it to be bent axially to the left as viewed in FIG. 2l. On the other hand, the corresponding-surface 135 of the other disc 133 is relieved or concavely curved slightly; and both discs are provided radially inwardly of the surfaces 135, 136 with rounded projecting, iin stabilizing or restraining shoulder portions 137, which slidingly engage the iin 121 radially outwardly of the grooved ribs 123.

Thus, as clinched by the rolling discs 132, 133 oi FIG. 21, the iin is bent or dished somewhat in the annular zone 138 of its inner periphery, and an improved and more positive interlock between the iin and the clinched ribs 123 results.

FIG. 22 shows alternative further arrangements for improving the fin-rib interlock. Here, the reference numeral 140 designates a 1in (either flat or helical) which has a slightly flanged annular oifset 141 in one axial direction at its base or inner periphery. In the alternative, the reference numeral 142 indicates another type of iin which has an enlarged annular portion 143 at its inner periphery. In the rolling of these types, opposed rolling discs 144, 145 which are similar in nature and have annular n engaging and stabilizing shoulders 146 may be employed.

Other alternative forms shown in FIG. 22 include a type of iin 148 which has an annular series of axially extending apertures 149 formed therethrough adjacent its base, into which apertures the material of the ribs 123 is swedged or deformed in the rolling operation. Other fins possible to be employed are one, being designated 15G, in which the iin is uniformly tapered through its radial dimension outwardly from a relatively thick base; and another, being designated 151, in which the lin itself is rolled annularly in a zone 152 outwardly of its inner periphery, thus to provide a locking formation with which the material of the ribs 123 is interloclsed when they are finally rolled in place.

FIG. 22 also shows a further alternative sectional contour of the rolling discs 154, 155 featuring a continuous radial clearance at 156 relative to the iin 156 (or any of the other iin types 144), 142, 143 and 215i), in rolling the same.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description of the improved attached lin type tubes and method and apparatus for making the same in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person sln'lled in the art to practice the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the appended claims.

vl/hat l claim is:

l. A method of applying iin material to a tube which is externally and helicmy ribbed circumferentially, comprising the steps of deforming axially coiled at iin material adjacent the outer periphery of the coil convolution to progressively increase the inner periphery of the convolution to a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tube ribs, guiding said deformed material into position radially outwardly of the space between the tube ribs, while positively supporting said deformed coiled iin material radially against interference with the ribs prior to reaching said position, and smoothing said iin deformation to cause a progressive reduction in said internal diameter of the convolution of the n material toward the diameter of the tube between ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in the space between said ribs.

2. A method of applying 1in material to a tube which is externally ribbed circumferentially and helically, comprising the steps of radially corrugating the sides of axially coiled dat iin material adjacent the outer periphery of the coil convolution to progressively increase the inner periphery of the convolution to a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tube ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between the tube ribs, while positively supporting said corrugated coiled iin material radially from the interior against interference with the ribs prior to reaching said position, and smoothing said tin corrugations while so guiding the lin material to cause a progressive reduction in said internal diameter of the convolution of the fin material toward the diameter of the tube between ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in the space between said ribs.

3. A method of applying iin material to a tube, comprising providing a tube which is externally ribbed circumferentially and helically to afford axially spaced pairs of ribs separated by a space at which the outer tube diameter is not substantially less than its diameter between pairs of ribs, radially corrugating the sides of axially coiled tiat fin material adjacent the outer periphery of the coil convolution to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tube ribs, positively supporting said corrugated coil from the interior thereof to prevent interference with the ribs, guiding said material into the space between the ribs of a pair, with said corrugated coil convolution encircling the axis of the tube, and smoothing said n corrugations while so guiding the iin material to cause a progressive reduction in said internal diameter of the iin material toward the diameter of the tube between said last named ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in the space between said ribs.

4. A method of applying fin material to a tube which is internally formed circumferentially and helically to provide spaced pairs of ribs, comprising the steps of radially corrugating the sides of axially coiled llat fin material adjacent the outer periphery of the convolution to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tube ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between the tube ribs, while positively supporting said corrugated material radially to prevent interference with said ribs prior to reaching said position, smoothing said iin corrugations while so guiding the corrugated n material to cause a progressive reduction in the internal diameter of the convolution toward the diameter of the tube between ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in the space between said ribs, and deforming the ribs into clinching engagement with the iin at the internal periphery ofthe latter.

5. A method of applying fin material to a helically ribbed tube, comprising the steps of forming elongated ilat fin material into a coil of internal diameter approximating the root diameter of the tube between pairs of helical ribs of said tube, radially corrugating the sides of said coiled material adjacent the outer periphery of the coil convolution to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter to approximate the outer diameter of the ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between said ribs, while positively supporting said coiled n material radially to prevent interference with said ribs prior to reaching said position, and smoothing said tin corrugations to cause a progressive reduction in the internal diameter of the iin convolution encircling the tube, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in the space between said ribs.

6. A method of applying iin material to a helically ribbed tube, comprising the steps of forming elongated at n material into a coil of internal diameter approximating the root diameter of the tube between pairs of helical ribs of said tube, radially corrugating the sides of the convolution of coiled material adjacent the outer periphery thereof to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between said ribs during relative rotation of the tube and coil with the coil encircling the axis of the tube, while positively supporting said corrugated radially from the interior thereof to prevent interference with said ribs prior to reaching said position, and smoothing said iin corrugations to cause a progressive reduction in the internal diameter of the fin convolution encircling the tube outwardly of said space between the ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in said space.

7. A method of applying iin material to a helically ribbed tube, comprising the steps of forming elongated flat iin material into a coil of internal diameter approximating the root diameter of the tube between pairs of helical ribs of said tube, radially corrugating the sides of the convolution of said coiled material adjacent the outer periphery thereof to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between said ribs, during relative rotation of the tube and coil with the coil encircling the axis of the tube, while positively supporting said corrugated coil radially from the interior thereof to prevent interference with said ribs prior to reaching said position, and smoothing said iin convolution corrugations while so guiding the iin to cause a progressive reduction in the internal diameter of the iin convolution encircling the tube outwardly of said space salienti between the ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in said space.

8. A method of applying iin material to a helically ribbed tube, comprising the steps of forming elongated flat iin material into a coil of internal diameter approximating the root diameter of the tube between pairs of helical ribs ofy said tube, radially corrugating the sides of the convolution of said coiled material adjacent the outer periphery thereof to progressively increase the inner periphery of the coil convolution to a diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the ribs, guiding said corrugated material into position radially outwardly of the space between said ribs during relative rotation of the tube and coil with the coil encircling the axis of the tube, while positively supporting said corrugated coil radially from the interior thereof to prevent interference with said ribs prior to reaching said position, smoothing said convolution corrugations while so guiding the fin to cause a progressive reduction in the internal diameter of the lin convolution encircling the tube outwardly of said space between the ribs, and to at least partially dispose said reduced internal diameter convolution in said space and deforming the ribs on opposite sides of the iin into clinchingV engagement with the iin at the internal periphery of the latter.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8, in which the smoothing of said lin corrugations is accomplished by subjecting both opposite sides of the corrugated zone to sliding frictional attening action as the material is guided onto the tube.

10. A method in accordance with claim 8, in which ythe smoothing of said iin corrugations is accomplished by subjecting both sides of the corrugated Zone to sliding frictional flattening action as the material is guided onto the tube, followed by rolling action on both sides to urge the iin material radially against the tube between the ribs of the latter.

1l. A method in accordance with claim 8, in which the smoothing of said n corrugations is accomplished by subjecting the opposite sides of the corrugated zone to sliding frictional flattening action and to rolling action, respectively, as the material is guided onto the tube.

12. A method in accordance with claim 8, in which the smoothing of said lin corrugations is accomplished by subjecting the opposite sides of the corrugated zone to sliding frictional flattening action and to rolling action, respectively, as the material is guided onto the tube, followed by rolling action on both sides to urge the iin material radially against the tube between the ribs of the latter. Y

13. A method for producing attached iin type tubing, comprising forming a tube length by an operation of externally rolling the same to provide a plurality of spaced pairs of rib formations which extend substantially and radially outwardly of the remaining exterior surface of the tube, with the pairs spaced from one another by spacing grooves and the formations of each pair spaced from one another by a n groove, said rolling operation comprising simultaneously subjecting the .tube exterior to the rolling and indenting action of at least three discs of selectively variable dimension axialiy of the respective discs, which discs engage the tube in close axial adjacency to one another, thereby to deform the tube in desired selective widths of the respective spacing and lin grooves and to upset material between an intermediate disc and discs on either side thereof to provide a pair of rib formations, placing iin material in the iin groove between said pair, and securing said tin material between said respective rib formations.

14. A method of producing attached tin type tubing, comprising circumferentially rolling a tube length by an operation of externally rolling the same to provide a plurality of spaced pairs of rib formations which extend substantially and radially outwardly of the remaining exterior surface of the tube, with the pairs spaced from one another by spacing grooves and the formations of each pair spaced from one another by a iin groove, said rolling operation comprising simultaneously subjecting the tube ex-terior to the rolling and indenting action of at least three discs of selectively variable dimension axially of the respective discs, which discs engage the tube in close axial adjacency Ito one another, thereby to deform the tube in desired selective widths of the respective spacing and tin grooves and to upset material between an intermediate disc and discs on either side thereof to provide a pair of rib formations, placing lin material in the iin groove between said pair, and rolling said projecting rib formations to clinch said tin material between the same.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14, in which said clinching of the rib formations includes providing an interlock of iin material to rib formation which is more positive than said clinched securement, which interlock is effected by interengaging a clinched rib formation with an oiset of said yiin material at the clinched zone thereof.

16. A method in accordance with claim 14, in which said clinching of the rib formations includes providing an interlock of fin material to rib formation which is more positive than Vsaid clinched securement, which interlock is eiected by engaging the material of a clinched rib formation in a recess of said n material at the clinched zone thereof.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,303,674 lames May 13, 1919 1,668,534 Berg May 1, 1928 1,775,555 Dorndorf Sept. 9, 1930 1,840,317 Horvath Jan. 12, 1932 1,928,639 Berg Oct. 3, 1933 2,004,387 Dewald lune 11, 1935 2,396,795 Lea Mar. 19, 1946 2,661,526 Bruegger Dec. 8, 1953 

1. A METHOD OF APPLYING FIN MATERIAL TO A TUBE WHICH IS EXTERNALLY AND HELICALLY RIBBED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY, COMPRISING THE STEPS OF DEFORMING AXIALLY COILED FLAT FIN MATERIAL ADJACENT THE OUTER PERIPHERY OF THE COIL CONVOLUTION TO PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE THE INNER PERIPHERY OF THE CONVOLUTION TO A DIAMETER GREATER THAN THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE TUBE RIBS, GUIDING SAID DEFORMED MATERIAL INTO POSITION RADIALLY OUTWARDLY OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THE TUBE RIBS, WHILE POSITIVELY SUPPORTING SAID DEFORMED COILED FIN MATERIAL RADIALLY AGAINST INTERFERENCE WITH THE RIBS PRIOR TO REACHING SAID POSITION, AND SMOOTHING SAID FIN DEFORMATION TO CAUSE A PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION IN SAID INTERNAL DIAMETER OF THE CONVOLUTION OF THE FIN MATERIAL TOWARD THE DIAMETER OF THE TUBE BETWEEN RIBS, AND TO AT LEAST PARTIALLY DISPOSE SAID REDUCED INTERNAL DIAMETER CONVOLUTION IN THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID RIBS. 